Starlet J. Howie, Methamphetamine Manufacturing, Illinois 2024

GRIMY TIMES — In a major drug crackdown, four southern Illinois residents have been charged with methamphetamine offenses, according to United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce.

Starlet J. Howie, 47, known as ‘Star Oettle’ and ‘Star Miller,’ along with Mandy L. Hagen, 29, Jeremy S. Copple, 31, and Daniel M. Dortch, 26, are accused of conspiring to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine between 2015 and April 2017 across Perry, Randolph, Monroe, and St. Clair Counties.

Howie and Hagen faced their initial appearances in federal court on May 8, 2017, with both ordered held without bond pending a May 15 detention hearing. Copple and Dortch are set to appear on the same date.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of 5-40 years imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine. Indictments are formal charges, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation into this meth conspiracy was a collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Drug Tactical Unit, Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois, Chester Police Department, Coulterville Police Department, Belleville Police Department, Lenzburg Police Department, Perry County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Randolph County States Attorney’s Office and the Monroe County States Attorney’s Office also contributed to the investigation.

This operation underscores the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in Illinois, with authorities vowing to crack down on those who profit from the illegal drug trade.